The phrasal verb "fight off" is primarily used in informal speech, though it occasionally appears in more formal contexts, especially when describing scenarios related to health or defense. It typically means to resist or defend against something undesirable, like an illness, emotion, or an attacker. For example, someone might "fight off a cold" by using various remedies, or "fight off sleep" by staying mentally alert. The phrase often carries a connotation of struggle or effort required to ward something off. "Fight off" is versatile, being used both literally, such as in physical confrontations, and metaphorically, in situations involving effort to counteract non-physical threats or challenges.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To resist or repel an attack or infection.
She managed to fight off the flu with plenty of rest and fluids.
The campers fought off the mosquitoes by using a strong repellent.
2. To fend off or resist an unwanted situation or emotion.
He tried to fight off the feeling of panic as the deadline approached.
Despite his efforts, he couldn't fight off the sleepiness during the lecture.